Play tackles elderly abuse

Stewart Preston, Sheena Penson and Jane Nelson Peebles act out the play

A Scottish charity which looks after the interests of the country's senior citizens has come up with a novel way of tackling the sensitive subject of the abuse of the elderly.

Throughout this week, Age Concern Scotland will stage theatre productions featuring abuse scenarios played out by experienced actors.

The organisation said it had invited an audience of older people to see the one-and-a-half hour play which will be staged in Dundee, Lanark, Cumbernauld and Ardross in Ross-shire.

The audience will be invited to take part, either individually or in groups, with the role-plays.

Age Concern Scotland has commissioned Dundee-based Foxtrot Theatre Company to write and perform the special production.

Ann Ferguson, the charity's elder abuse project manager, said: "This approach to raising awareness of a problem affecting around one in 10 older people in this country is unique to Scotland, although there is significant interest being shown from other parts of the UK.

ELDER ABUSE - THE FACTS Research suggests up to one in 10 older people in Scotland have been victims of abuse 40% of victims suffer more than one form of abuse Elder abuse includes psychological, financial, physical and sexual abuse as well as neglect Age Concern Scotland launched a major project in 2001 to reduce the level of abuse

"Experience has shown that using theatre is an ideal way of tackling difficult issues and we believe the production will have an immediate effect on the audience and those involved.

"Many older people who have experienced abuse, either themselves or have witnessed abuse of others, find it very hard to speak about it.

"Using interactive theatre can help overcome some of the barriers to recognising abuse and being able to do something about it".

Maureen O'Neill, director of Age Concern Scotland, said society might find it hard to believe that older people could be abused by family members or professional carers but "it does exist and is often hidden by shame, embarrassment, fear or ignorance".